DEFENDERS: Beware of COVID-19 stimulus check scams

COLUMBIA, Mo. - (KMIZ)

The FBI, state attorneys general and other agencies are alerting Americans to possible COVID-19 stimulus check scams.

Scammers are trying to reach consumers through phone calls, texts or emails asking for personal or financial information in order to get the payment, according to the Better Business Bureau. Don't fall for this, it's a scam.

The Better Business Bureau says it has already received several reports of such scams. In one version, a Facebook post targets seniors by telling them about a special grant to pay medical bills, the organization says. The post links to a bogus website that asks for the user's personal information.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said Americans will start receiving the money within three weeks. Those who filed their tax returns electronically and provided the IRS with their bank information will likely get their payments earlier via direct deposit. Paper checks are expected to take longer to mail out.

The IRS specifies on its website that no sign-up is required, and there is no need to call. The agency will post additional information on its website.